Objectivism, or collectivism?

Which do you prefer?

Do you believe that we all should function as one group, working to improve all of our lives? Do you think that the well-being of us all is more important than your own personal well-being as an individual? Do you think that all individuals should be owned by the group, have no right to private existence, have no right to lead their own lives or pursue their own happiness?

Or, do you believe each individual should be seen as an independent entity that possesses an inalienable right to their own life? Do you think none of us should run anyone else’s lives (or have our own lives run by others)? Or that each of us should never sacrifice ourselves to anyone, nor have anyone sacrifice for us?

All these thoughts were posed as questions to me when discussing a book I just began reading entitled “Anthem” by Ayn Rand. I honestly had no idea what the book was trying to say when I first picked it up. Though, after hearing a bit about Ayn Rand’s background, then I understood.

Image via Wikipedia

Ayn Rand (1905-1982) was a Russian woman who grew up in communism (Bolshevik . The whole concept behind communism is the collectivist mentality spoken about above. Each person works, and each person gives, so that the entire group of people can benefit. Though, her father owned a pharmacy, and after the Russian revolution, her father’s pharmacy was taken away. Her standard of living was lowered. Though, as she got older, she learned about the American system where the ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity thrived. She loved the idea of that system even as she learned it in high school (and it was probably criticized).

Later in life, when she was 20 years old, she “took a visit” to her relatives in the U.S., and she never returned. She loved the United States’ government system. Everyone was equal and no one was forced to follow one group. She loved the expression of individualism. In fact, with “Anthem”, she actually started this concept of individualism and objectivism.

As I read more of the book, I will write more on my thoughts. But, what are your thoughts if you’d read the book or if you’d just read this article.

Also, Ayn Rand is an atheist, so does that spark any thought?

(Leave a comment if you have any thoughts).